Break your trip along the Great Ocean Road up into several overnight stays

Victoria's Great Ocean Road has a status for being one of the world's most scenic roads. In order to truly appreciate it, you need to take it leisurely. Yes, you can possibly do it in a day: it is only 150 miles long. It would be a shame to rush it, though. Instead, plan on breaking your trip up into a few overnight stays. This way, you will have time to really soak it all in. It is easy to locate Great Ocean Road accommodation. The road was created for travelers and your arrival is expected.

Lorne is an obvious first stop on your Great Ocean Road journey. This quaint town and its surrounds has been heralded as one of Australia's most beautiful for more than a hundred years. Although your trip will have just begun when you arrive in Lorne, it's a perfect introduction to all that is to come. Lorne has a real Mediterranean feel to it, with an Australian touch. While sip on a cappuccino at a chic open air café, you will be overlooking the great Southern Ocean past the glistening sands in front of Loutit Bay.

Apollo Bay will be another great place to spend a day and a night as you make your way up the coast along the Great ocean Road. Apollo Bay is just at the edge of Cape Otway. If you're a surfer, you already know that there are some excellent waves to be ridden within the Apollo Bay area. If the water is calm, you can take a sea kayak tour and pay a visit to the seals that call the Apollo Bay coastline home. If you are a horse lover, then go riding across the hardpacked sand on the beach at low tide. Of course, an alternative choice is to just sit back and relax. Do a little window shopping and maybe find an antique you just can't live without and then have an excellent meal in one of the restaurants or cafes in town.

Take it slow as you drive through Great Otway National Park. You will not want to miss a thing in this beautiful wonderland. You will find stands of trees within the park which are hundreds of years old and are the offspring of a species that has been there since prehistoric times. As you pass roadsigns that tell you to watch out for koalas, kangaroos and other native animals, they are not kidding. Cape Otway is their home and they love it there. While you're there, take a side trip right out towards the tip of the cape and see one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.

You cannot stop short of the 12 Apostles, near Port Campbell. You would have seen photographs of them before. The 12 Apostles are one of Australia's most photographed attractions. Seeing a photo of them does not do them justice, though. You need to see them in person. Other than just stopping at the side of the road, one way you can see them is by hiking the Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay. It is a 64 mile (104kim) walk, though, so its not to be taken lightly. An alternative good way to see the 12 Apostles is from the air. Stay the night in Port Campbell and book a helicopter flight. It will be a memorable experience.

These are only a few of the highlights of the Great Ocean Road. It could honestly be said that the entire road is one highlight after the other. Take your time and find out why this road is considered one of the world's most spectacular.

Take a few days off, find great ocean road accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.